Good American Family
Good American Family is an uneasy blend of true crime, thriller and satirical commentary, proving itself to be more than just another sensationalisation of the Natalia Grace saga. Created by Katie Robbins, the limited series is based on the real-life story of a Ukrainian orphan adopted by an American family who accused her of being an adult posing as a child, and offers a chilling exploration of moral ambiguity, responsibility and the intoxicating allure of narratives.
From the outset, the series lures viewers into the world of Kristine Barnett (Ellen Pompeo), a devout Christian mother of three whose seemingly perfect life crumbles when she is arrested for child endangerment. In a sharp, almost absurd twist, the opening scene shows Kristine delivering a motivational speech as police descend on her, exposing the fragile veneer of selfless motherhood. Her Southern roots, reflected in her slight accent and relationship with her mother and God, add layers to her character – a woman who, despite her moral certainties, is increasingly unsettled by her own actions.
However, the series gradually introduces a more unreliable portrayal of Kristine, showing the cracks in her righteous persona as the narrative shifts perspectives. The show’s yellow lighting and warm hues evoke a sense of suburban normalcy, even as the story descends into darker territory. The use of an unreliable narrator is not even slightly hinted at in the early parts of Good American Family, with Kristine’s perspective initially presented in a manner reminiscent of Gone Girl, where her seemingly perfect persona goes unchallenged. But as her relationship with adopted daughter Natalia (Imogen Faith Reid) deepens, so too does the sense of unease. Reid’s portrayal of Natalia is engrossing – an ever-shifting character whose innocence and manipulation come together in a way that keeps the viewer second-guessing whether she is a victim or a perpetrator. Yet, despite moments of sharp commentary, Good American Family often struggles with its sensationalist elements – leaving the portrayal of Grace feeling exploitative at times. While the shifting perspectives and unreliable narrator are deftly handled, the show struggles to step out of the shadow of its true crime origin.
Christina Yang
Good American Family is released on Disney+ on 9th April 2025.
Watch the trailer for Good American Family here:
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